Taunton Area School to Career mentor program continues to grow

This year’s Taunton Area School to Career mentor program broke all records in terms of the number of participants.

Nancy Antonucci, TASC executive director, said 73 students from Taunton High School, Bristol County Agricultural High School and Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School were mentored by an equal number of adults from companies, businesses, agencies and departments.

This year’s Taunton Area School to Career mentor program broke all records in terms of the number of participants.

Nancy Antonucci, TASC executive director, said 73 students from Taunton High School, Bristol County Agricultural High School and Bristol Plymouth Regional Technical School were mentored by an equal number of adults from companies, businesses, agencies and departments.

The mentoring program, she said, has increased 20 percent during the past three years.

Antonucci was at Taunton High School on Thursday as part of the annual TASC mentor-program recognition breakfast.

Medical equipment manufacturer Johnson & Johnson Depuy, whish has a facility in Raynham, once again had a number of employees participating in the TASC program — which dates back to 1988 but came under the exclusive control of the non-profit group in 1995.

“It’s part of J&J’s credo, we have a history of giving back to the community,” said C.J. Turgeon, product director for Codman Neuro, a J&J division.

City Councilman, and former Taunton Schools superintendent, Donald Cleary was back again to volunteer as a mentor, whose role is to introduce high school students to the world of professional employment.

Cleary used the analogy of a jigsaw puzzle to explain the value of the interactive program.

“You never really know what piece gives him the vision he needs, but it’s a very valuable component,” Cleary said.

THS junior Stanley Moreau, said spending time with Cleary gave him “direction.”

“As I’ve gotten older and gained maturity I realize I have to stay focused,” the 17-year-old said.

Moreau said he’s interested in eventually becoming a police officer, and then perhaps will pursue another avenue in law enforcement.

Both he and Cleary visited Curry College in Milton and Boston’s FBI forensic lab.

State Rep. Shaunna O’Connell, R-Taunton, said this was her first time serving as a mentor. She said she found the experience rewarding and plans to volunteer again next year.

O’Connell said she introduced her “mentee” to a friend who runs a day care center and also accompanied her to this year’s Student Government Day debate.

“I’m hooked. I’m a mentor for good for now on,” O’Connell said.

Antonucci gave kudos to Peta Shepherd, who coordinated the TASC mentoring program

TASC, which besides Antonucci has a staff of five working in its downtown office at 1 Taunton Green, is funded by state and federal grants, fundraisers and private and corporate donations.

Antonucci said finances have been challenging since the 2007 economic downfall.

“It’s tough for non-profits these days, but we’re doing very well,” she said.